How to Implant Intacs
A clinical investigator shares his tips
and techniques for maximizing outcomes and minimizing complications
with this new technology.
James E. McDonald, MD II
Fayetteville, Ark.
In the trials, 27 patients (5 percent) had their Intacs removed. These were necessary due to:
* Undercorrection and overcorrection,
* Induced astigmatism,
* Night vision problems,
* One infectious and three sterile infiltrates.
By six weeks, 81 percent of these patients were within 0.5 D of their original refraction, and 92 percent were within a diopter. At six weeks, the remaining 8 percent were less myopic than before the surgery. I explanted one Intac in a presbyopic woman who decided she wanted her near vision back. Now she has a monofocal correction and is doing very well.
All the investigators, including me, believe it's permissable to do other procedures after Intacs removal, since we've confirmed that the topography returns to its previous state within four weeks.
Patients have been enthusiastic about Intacs. They seem to be reassured by the fact that they don't lose corneal tissue, and that the Intacs can be removed if necessary. I hope the tips I've offered above help you implant them successfully.
Dr. McDonald is in private practice, specializing
in cataract and refractive surgery.